Louis Bielle-Biarrey’s late try proved pivotal as France dug out a dramatic 20-16 Guinness Six Nations victory over Scotland at Murrayfield – but only after a controversial decision not to award the hosts a try in the last action of the match.
Les Bleus – who lost 38-17 at home to Ireland in their opener last weekend – looked in danger of starting the championship with back-to-back defeats as they trailed for most of the match after Ben White’s seventh-minute try.
However, Bielle-Biarrey’s moment of inspiration in the 70th minute allowed the French – who had scored in the first half through Gael Fickou – to get themselves in front.
The Scots – looking to make it back-to-back wins after their triumph in Wales last weekend – staged a late rally and thought they had claimed the victory when they forced their way over the line after the 80-minute mark, but following a lengthy TMO review, it was deemed they had not grounded the ball.
Scotland – already missing key back-three members Blair Kinghorn and Darcy Graham through injury – were forced into a late change in the back division when wing Kyle Steyn withdrew after his wife went into labour. The uncapped Harry Paterson, who was not in the initial 23, was enlisted to start at full-back, with Kyle Rowe – due to be starting in the 15 jersey – shifting to the wing.
The Scots went ahead with a superbly worked try in the seventh minute, with some quick passing from Duhan van der Merwe, Paterson and Huw Jones on the right paving the way for Toulon scrum-half White, who did well to avoid dropping the ball before holding off the attention of two Frenchmen trying to grapple him as he slid gleefully over the line. Finn Russell converted.
The visitors got their first points in the 12th minute through a Thomas Ramos penalty. And they looked certain to get themselves in front three minutes later when Fickou saw a gap on the left and went for it, but Van der Merwe got back to made a vital challenge just before the line, which was deemed by the officials to be legal, much to the frustration of Les Bleus.
The Scots generally looked the more assured of the two sides, however, and a couple of Russell penalties in the 22nd minute and then just before the half hour, nudged them 10 points clear.
A stark reminder of the French threat came in the 31st minute when they worked an opening on the right for Fickou who forced his way over the line despite the best efforts of Jones to halt him. Ramos converted, bringing his team within three points of their hosts.
The French – who played the majority of the Ireland game with 14 men last weekend – suffered a blow two minutes before the interval when Uini Atonio was yellow carded for a dangerous tackle on Matt Fagerson.
The Scots were camped in front of the French line for the closing minutes of the first half but were unable to reward themselves with further points as they went in at the interval with a slender 13-10 lead.
Fagerson – who had been in the wars in the first half – was replaced by Saracens back-rower for the start of the second period.
Following his indiscipline, Atonio would have been hugely relieved to return to the fray with no further scoreline damage incurred by his side.
There was a sense that the failure to take advantage of the prop’s time in the sin bin might come back to bite them, but another penalty from Russell in the 59th minute opened up a six-point advantage and eased some of the tension among the home support.
Just as the hosts looked to have a good level of control, France turned the game in their favour in the 70th minute when Bielle-Biarrey raced on to his own kick over the top and touched down on the left. Ramos converted to put Les Bleus a point ahead.
The full-back then added a penalty in the 77th minute, ensuring the Scots would need a try to won the game. They momentarily thought they had it in the dying moments before the officials cut short their celebrations.
Allegorie De Vassy’s odds for the Mrs Paddy Power Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham were trimmed following a cosy success at Naas on Saturday.
Willie Mullins’ charge was on something of a redemption mission in the BBA Ireland Limited Opera Hat Mares Chase after an odds-on reverse at the hands of the reopposing Riviere D’Etel on New Year’s Day.
The latter came home 33 lengths clear on that occasion, but Allegorie De Vassy righted the record in this Listed heat.
Sent off a 5-2 chance in the hands of Paul Townend, Allegorie De Vassy survived some sticky early leaps and was travelling notably better than 7-4 favourite Riviere D’Etel approaching the final couple of obstacles.
She fairly skipped over the final fence to coast home by four lengths and Paddy Power make her a 7-2 chance from 5s for the the Festival contest in which she finished second last year.
Mullins said: “That was a better performance, especially considering how badly she jumped over the first four fences.
“She just wasn’t herself and it took her until about the fourth last before she really started to jump and then she got into a rhythm and flew.
“We might have been lucky that the two in front took each other on. It might not have been as flashy as we thought it was.
“I’m happy enough with how she’s run, and she’ll go for the Mares’ Chase at Cheltenham.”
Fly-half Paolo Garbisi believes Italy are ready for the “most difficult match in world rugby” and expects facing Ireland to be twice as tough as taking on England.
The Azzurri meet the reigning Guinness Six Nations champions in Dublin on Sunday after beginning their campaign with a narrow 27-24 loss to Steve Borthwick’s side in Rome.
Ireland are overwhelming favourites for victory at a sold-out Aviva Stadium to keep themselves on course for back-to-back Grand Slam titles following a five-try demolition of France.
Montpellier man Garbisi, who acknowledges his country have been underdogs in almost every match since joining the championship in 2000, is braced for the ultimate test.
“Of course we were pretty proud of our performance (against England),” he told the PA news agency.
“We knew that that wasn’t perfect, otherwise probably we would have won that game, so a lot of points to improve on and to work on.
“But we know that this week is going to be probably twice harder. We know what’s coming and I think we’re ready.
“I think it’s the most difficult match in world rugby right now. We play one of the best sides at their place.
“It’s the first time they play at home in this Six Nations so it’s probably the most difficult thing to do in rugby this time.”
Italy have never won a Six Nations match on Irish soil, with their only championship success in the fixture a 22-15 Stadio Olimpico victory in 2013.
Pundits and bookmakers give the Azzurri, who endured a miserable World Cup campaign before Gonzalo Quesada replaced Kieran Crowley as head coach, little chance of changing that statistic this weekend.
“We try not to put that much attention on those things,” said Garbisi.
“I think it’s 20 years that people don’t give us chances so we don’t really care about that. We try to prepare as well as we can so we can perform as well as we can.
“We know that they’re very good in everything they do: attack, defence, kicking game. But I think what impressed me the most are the rucks, how they can reach the rucks to slow the ball down for the opposition – that’s something they’re really good at.
“If we can keep the pace of our breakdowns quick, we could manage to put them in trouble.”
Garbisi will be pitted against rival number 10 Jack Crowley this weekend after former Ireland captain Johnny Sexton retired following the World Cup.
The 23-year-old feels the departure of the influential Sexton has left a void but thinks 24-year-old Crowley has a “very, very bright future”.
“It’s quite a difference because the leadership that Sexton could provide to their team was amazing,” said Garbisi.
“I think it was a different team when he was playing and when he was not.
“Crowley is a very good number 10 and he’s quite young – I think he’s my age – so I think he has a very, very bright future to lead Ireland forward.”
Italy have lost back-row forwards Sebastian Negri and Lorenzo Cannone to injury but mercurial full-back Ange Capuozzo is back from illness.
“We hope he’s going to make a big difference for us,” Garbisi said of Capuozzo.
“But it’s not only on him, it’s on us as well to try to give him good balls to attack and to put him in good spaces where he can have one on ones against defenders so he can use his feet and his quickness.”
Iberico Lord came out on top for Nico de Boinville and Nicky Henderson in the Betfair Hurdle.
In a field of 21, the bay was an 11-2 chance to give Henderson a sixth victory in the race and land himself another big handicap after taking the Greatwood in November.
Under a neat ride from De Boinville, the six-year-old was always handy and was one of a handful in contention over the final flight.
He landed marginally behind 28-1 shot L’Eau Du Sud but battled all the way to the line to score by an eventual two and a quarter lengths.
Graham Lee has thanked the racing community for their support as he begins to make plans to move home following the injuries he sustained in a fall last year.
The Grand National and Group One-winning jockey was unseated by his mount when leaving the stalls at Newcastle in November.
He suffered a serious spinal injury and the sport has rallied around him and his family since, raising over £188,000 via JustGiving for the Injured Jockeys Fund.
Currently at the Spinal Unit at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough, Lee is planning to adapt his house in order to move home and released a statement via the IJF.
It read: “It’s three months now since my accident and I thought it was appropriate for me to say something publicly for the first time.
“Frankly, I’ve been overwhelmed by the unbelievable support and good wishes sent by everyone and I’d like to thank you all so much on behalf of myself, my wife Becky and our children, Amy and Robbie.
“It feels like I’m in a bit of a bubble here at the James Cook Spinal Unit but the girls share with me all the messages that they are receiving and every single one is appreciated, as is the support of my great friends who continue to visit me so regularly and keep my spirits up.
“I never really considered that I had achieved that much as a jockey and it seems crazy that so many people are thinking of us all. I can’t deny it has been – and continues to be – hard for us all, but these messages help us all so much.
“I would also like to thank the team of nurses here who are just unbelievable in the around the clock care and support they offer us all.
“As most of you know, the injuries I have suffered are life-changing and there is a long road ahead. But we have just received planning permission so that work can start to adapt our home in the hope that I will be able to leave hospital at some stage in the next few months.
“Thank you again. I am truly humbled and grateful.”
Edwardstone cruised to victory in the Betfair Exchange Game Spirit Chase at Newbury.
The 11-10 favourite under Tom Cannon, Alan King’s gelding made all of the running in the four-runner Grade Two.
His significant lead looked to lessen slightly with half of the race completed, but the gap soon widened again and was further increased when Boothill fell in the home straight.
Amarillo Sky did not finish either, leaving Funambule Sivola to trail home as the only other finisher some 40 lengths behind.
Edwardstone was notching his first victory since landing the 2022 Tingle Creek Chase and Coral responded to his sparkling success by cutting him to 8-1 from 14s for the Queen Mother Champion Chase at Cheltenham.
Making Headway proved well named as he made all the running to secure his spot at the Cheltenham Festival by taking the Betfair Racing Podcasts Novices’ Hurdle at Newbury.
Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero’s six-year-old has been highly tried since scoring at Carlisle on debut, finishing second in a Grade Two at Haydock before heading to the highest level at Aintree on Boxing Day.
He finished fourth on that occasion and back in calmer waters, he was sent off the 6-4 favourite in the hands of Henry Brooke as he showed his quality to land a decisive one-and-a-quarter-length success.
“We were a bit worried when Nicky Henderson and Jonjo O’Neill’s horses were being backed, but we’ve always liked him and he’s so straightforward and wants further,” said Greenall.
“It’s hard to do that from the front and he’s looking about and it’s tough for Henry to know what speed he is going. It didn’t look to be that quick, but Josh text me to say they were going 29 to 30 miles per hour – on heavy ground, that is probably quick enough.
“As soon as they have come to him and given him some company, he has gone on again and he had his ears pricked crossing the line.”
Stable star Iroko provided the Greenall and Guerriero team with their first Cheltenham Festival success in last year’s Martin Pipe and that is one of the options available to their latest star novice.
Greenall added: “We will get him entered in the Coral Cup and the Martin Pipe and I think a step up in trip will bring about a better performance. Hopefully the handicapper will base the race on him and his mark shouldn’t alter.
“Iroko had that season juvenile hurdling and was a lot more streetwise and that would be my only concern about going to Cheltenham with Making Headway.
“We were probably in two minds before today whether we would go to Cheltenham because he is a rawer type – Iroko being more of a French type running in those good juvenile hurdles – but to be fair to this lad, when he went up in grade at Haydock and Aintree he looked flat out but jumped very well, which I think is a sign of a very good horse, so he would have that in his favour.”
Alan King described the Betfair Serial Winners Fund Handicap Hurdle as Emitom’s “Gold Cup” as he registered his second Newbury triumph.
The 10-year-old had to battle hard to see off 3-1 favourite Kyntara, with King believing the game veteran is unlikely to compete in the Pertemps Final at Prestbury Park next month.
“He was brave and since we’ve had him, he’s only disappointed me once,” said the Barbury Castle handler.
“We probably over-faced him in the valuable race up at Haydock – it was too competitive and he never really went a yard.
“We gave him a little break and he bumped into a proper horse of Jonjo’s at Ludlow (Saint Davy) and we were very happy with him leading into this.
“He likes Newbury and this was his Gold Cup. He’ll want plenty of time and had a tough old race today, so we will give him a month and we haven’t really looked beyond today.”
Eagle Fang booked his Cheltenham Festival ticket with victory in the A.M. Transport Supporting Kill GAA Rated Hurdle at Naas.
The four-year-old finished third in his only Flat start for Keith Dalgleish before being sold for 55,000 guineas last July and joining William Durkan’s team.
Placed on his first three starts, including at Grade Three level, Eagle Fang has cut little ice upped to Grade Two company at Christmas but dropped in calibre here, he posted a five-length success in the hands of Phillip Enright.
The 9-4 favourite stayed on well on heavy ground, with Paddy Power cutting him to 12-1 from 25s for the Boodles Juvenile Handicap Hurdle at next month’s Festival.
Assistant trainer Gary Bannon said: “We thought he would have won his maiden by now, but he’s bumped into a few smart horses. We freshened him up and came here.
“The Boodles has been the plan with him.
“He’s a lovely horse for the future and stepping up in trip he’ll be a nice horse next year.
“He’s tough and not your typical Flat horse. He doesn’t do a whole pile at home.
“We’d like to see a bit of rain for Cheltenham, and he should get in now.”
Terence O’Brien also has Cheltenham on his mind for Answer To Kayf following his win in the Connolly’s RED MILLS Irish EBF Auction Novice Hurdle.
Sent off a 7-2 chance, Answer To Kayf put in a fine round of jumping before showed a determined attitude to fend off the challenge of the evens favourite Captain Cody by a length and a half under 7lb claimer John Shinnick.
O’Brien said: “We gave him an entry in the Albert Bartlett and I was thinking of going for the Martin Pipe. We’ll see how he comes out of it and we’ll probably give him an entry in the Martin Pipe.
“There is a great prize for the Final of this Series in Punchestown and I suppose that is probably the main aim. Whether we take in Cheltenham in the meantime, we’ll see how he comes out of this.
“I’d say he’s flexible in terms of trip. He’s not a slow horse and I didn’t think he was stopping there at the finish.
“Johnny’s 7lb claim was obviously a big help today and we’ll see what the handicapper does with him after this.”
Paddy Power make him a 16-1 shot for the three-mile Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle.
Damian Lillard said it was about time the Milwaukee Bucks played like championship contenders after scoring 26 points on his comeback in Friday's win over the Charlotte Hornets.
An ankle injury caused Lillard to miss back-to-back defeats against the Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves this week, but he returned with a bang against the short-handed Hornets.
Lillard's 26-point haul led five Milwaukee players in double figures as they condemned Charlotte to a 10th straight defeat, with the All-Star guard also adding four rebounds and eight assists.
Having halted a three-game losing streak, the Bucks sit third in the Eastern Conference with a 34-19 record, and Lillard says a few home truths from head coach Doc Rivers led to their improvement.
"We were just more physical," Lillard said after Friday's game. "Doc just challenged us. He checked us on what we say we want to do versus what we've been doing.
"To be a team that is considered a contender with what we want to accomplish… we've got to start acting like it."
Giannis Antetokounmpo was only needed for 24 minutes but still recorded 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Bobby Portis added 18 points and seven rebounds.
The Bucks also handed a debut to veteran guard Patrick Beverley, who they acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of Thursday's trade deadline.
He finished with six points and four assists in just 12 minutes on the court, also making a big impression with his willingness to call plays on the floor.
"He brought energy, he brought edge and just experience," Lillard said of Beverley. "There were times where he just kind of directed some actions offensively and defensively in the huddle.
"He knows who he is, he knows what he brings to a team and he's not shy about it. You heard his voice the moment he walked in."
Beverley said of his approach: "The way I go about things, I'm not going to make everyone happy.
"I'm going to upset some people. I hold myself to a high standard and I expect everyone else to do the same.
"My approach is very strong until you get to know me. But once you get to know me you understand; 'the only thing he does is want to win.'"
Shishkin bounced back to form at Newbury to take the Betfair Denman Chase for Nicky Henderson.
The 10-year-old had endured a luckless campaign so far, refusing to start in the 1965 Chase at Ascot on his seasonal bow in November before unseating Nico de Boinville when going well in the King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.
He was the 8-11 favourite to return to winning ways in the Newbury Grade Two and travelled behind race leader Protektorat for much of the near three-mile contest.
Around the final bend, Shishkin began to pick up the bridle and was comfortably able to stride clear of his four rivals to prevail by four and a quarter lengths.
Patrick Mahomes has Tom Brady in his sights on the eve of his bid to win a third Super Bowl.
The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback is preparing to star in his fourth Super Bowl in six seasons in Sunday’s clash against the San Francisco 49ers in Las Vegas.
Brady’s record seven Super Bowl titles saw him retire from NFL as the game’s undisputed greatest of all time.
But Mahomes, 28, has the chance to move to within four titles of Brady, who retired at the age of 45.
“If you ask me that question (of emulating Brady) in 15 years, I’ll see if I can get close to seven,” said Mahomes in a press conference to preview Sunday’s blockbuster match. “But seven does seem like a long way away.
“I have won only two Super Bowls so there are a couple of other guys in front of me before I even get close to chasing Tom.
“All you can do is try to be your best in every single game, play my best football, and hopefully my best football will be good enough to win this third Super Bowl.
“And then it is about doing it next year, and the year after that, and at the end of my career, hopefully I can say I am close to Tom.”
Mahomes’ Chiefs are out to become the first side to win consecutive NFL titles since Brady’s New England Patriots achieved the feat 19 years ago.
Mahomes continued: “I got close to winning back-to-back championships a couple of years ago and fell short in pretty disappointing fashion.
“I was blessed to get to two Super Bowls very early in my career, and we have had to work hard to get back here.
“So to be back on this stage, have that opportunity, and maximise that moment is important because not a lot of teams have been able to do it in the past.”
Philadelphia 76ers president Daryl Morey is hopeful the team could have Joel Embiid available for a potential playoff run, after the NBA MVP was forced to undergo knee surgery this week.
Embiid has been sidelined since displacing a flap of the lateral meniscus in his left knee during the 76ers' 119-107 defeat to the Golden State Warriors at the end of January.
That injury came on Embiid's return to action after he missed the team's previous two games with another knee problem. Last Sunday, Philadelphia confirmed that Embiid would go under the knife to correct the issue, throwing his availability for the rest of the season into doubt.
The 76ers currently sit fifth in the Eastern Conference standings with a 30-21 record, though they are 4-12 in games Embiid has missed this season.
They have lost eight of their last nine following Friday's 127-121 defeat to the Atlanta Hawks, with that run casting doubt over their championship aspirations. However, should the 76ers manage a deep playoff run, Morey is upbeat regarding Embiid's prospects of featuring.
"We're hopeful," Morey said when asked about Embiid before Friday's game. "The feedback has been more good than bad since we first heard about what led to his procedure.
"So, we're hopeful and we're building the team to make it better this year.
"Obviously, it's not at 100 per cent. But with Joel playing at an MVP level, hopefully, he could get back to that. This is a year where we have a real shot.
"If the hope wasn't there in Joel, I think it would have changed things dramatically.
"We're very hopeful. Obviously, it's not 100 per cent. It's something that is probably a good chunk short of 100 per cent, but we thought it was the right thing [for Embiid to have surgery].
"There's a lot of ways to not win the title. Winning a title is hard; Joel not coming back at the level we hope is one of the ways we can't win a title this year.
"But you always want to be among the best teams and that means taking risks on the injury front. That's where we are at right now."
Philadelphia looked to rebalance their roster ahead of Thursday's trade deadline, acquiring veteran guards Buddy Hield and Cameron Payne in separate deals while allowing Patrick Beverley, Danuel House, Furkan Kourkmaz, Jaden Springer and Marcus Morris Sr. to depart.
Morey believes Hield, in particular, will provide vital support to Tyrese Maxey during Embiid's spell on the sidelines, saying: "Our priority was to get a big, but we wanted to add to our playoff rotation.
"We have to win games and it's going to be a battle, but we were focused on playoffs, we have a rotation that we know can win at a high level. He [Hield] was the only player who moved teams that would play a big role in our rotation. What he brings to the table is pretty obvious."
The 76ers' latest defeat came at the hands of a Hawks team inspired by Trae Young, who had 37 points and 12 assists as Atlanta improved to 23-29 with an impressive road win.
"This isn't the easiest place to play, so coming in here and getting a win at any time is a good thing for us," Young said after the game.
"We had some guys out, so we needed other guys to step up and they did."
Caelan Doris was urged to be himself by former Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton after being handed the “pretty cool honour” of captaining his country against Italy.
Leinster back-rower Doris will lead the reigning Grand Slam champions into Sunday afternoon’s Guinness Six Nations match in Dublin following a calf injury to Peter O’Mahony.
The 25-year-old sought advice from Sexton, who retired after last year’s World Cup, and current international team-mates O’Mahony, Iain Henderson and James Ryan, having received news of his temporary appointment from head coach Andy Farrell on Tuesday.
“Delight was the initial feeling but also nerves and excitement and finding my feet in the new role,” said Doris.
“There’s been a bit of mixture of all that but it’s a pretty cool honour to have for the week.
“I was even on the phone to Johnny there during the week.
“There are a few key figures for us who aren’t involved this week but I’ve been leaning on them big time.
“The main one (piece of advice) has been ‘be yourself’.
“The tendency is seeing Pete and seeing Johnny doing such a good job in how they do it and thinking, ‘how can I emulate that?’
“But their message has just been ‘be yourself’ – being authentic is the best way to lead and finding my own way to do it, which is challenging at times but it’s been good.”
Doris has developed into a genuine world-class talent since making his international debut in the opening match of the Farrell era in 2020.
He only captained his province for the first time during a 22-21 loss to Ulster on New Year’s Day but was selected as Ireland stand-in skipper ahead of lock Ryan, who regularly deputised in the role for Sexton.
“Stuart Lancaster (former Leinster coach) would have tried to push the leadership bit out of me, and the same with Faz (Farrell) in camp over the last number of years,” said Doris.
“I’ve been in the leadership group for a couple of years, but it’s an area I do want to develop and want to continue to grow, whether I’m in the group or in this role this week.
“It does cause a bit of stress and there’s more responsibilities that come with it but it’s definitely rewarding too.
“Just talking to Faz this morning he basically said to do it in your own way and that you don’t need to have these big speeches prepped.”
Doris has switched from number eight to openside flanker for the Azzurri’s visit to the Aviva Stadium, with Farrell making six personnel changes to the starting XV which began last week’s thumping 38-17 win away to France.
Munster pair Craig Casey and Jack Crowley will partner each other in the half-back positions, while 22-year-old lock Joe McCarthy continues following his eye-catching outing in Marseille.
“It’s a pretty exciting team, a few new combinations,” said Doris.
“Craig starting at nine, who’s been class for Munster over the last while and I’m delighted to see him get an opportunity.
“I think lads have been putting their hands up. Big Joe goes again in the second row, who’s been class; Crowler at 10, who is another leader and has been leading us well and has been doing the same at Munster.
“There’s enough experience there and enough old heads but there’s some excitement as well with some of the younger guys.
“The challenge this week is to back up last week’s performance with an even better one across all areas. It’s a pretty exciting prospect.”
Caelan Doris was urged to be himself by former Ireland skipper Johnny Sexton after being handed the “pretty cool honour” of captaining his country against Italy.
Leinster back-rower Doris will lead the reigning Grand Slam champions into Sunday afternoon’s Guinness Six Nations match in Dublin following a calf injury to Peter O’Mahony.
The 25-year-old sought advice from Sexton, who retired after last year’s World Cup, and current international team-mates O’Mahony, Iain Henderson and James Ryan, having received news of his temporary appointment from head coach Andy Farrell on Tuesday.
“Delight was the initial feeling but also nerves and excitement and finding my feet in the new role,” said Doris.
“There’s been a bit of mixture of all that but it’s a pretty cool honour to have for the week.
“I was even on the phone to Johnny there during the week.
“There are a few key figures for us who aren’t involved this week but I’ve been leaning on them big time.
“The main one (piece of advice) has been ‘be yourself’.
“The tendency is seeing Pete and seeing Johnny doing such a good job in how they do it and thinking, ‘how can I emulate that?’
“But their message has just been ‘be yourself’ – being authentic is the best way to lead and finding my own way to do it, which is challenging at times but it’s been good.”
Doris has developed into a genuine world-class talent since making his international debut in the opening match of the Farrell era in 2020.
He only captained his province for the first time during a 22-21 loss to Ulster on New Year’s Day but was selected as Ireland stand-in skipper ahead of lock Ryan, who regularly deputised in the role for Sexton.
“Stuart Lancaster (former Leinster coach) would have tried to push the leadership bit out of me, and the same with Faz (Farrell) in camp over the last number of years,” said Doris.
“I’ve been in the leadership group for a couple of years, but it’s an area I do want to develop and want to continue to grow, whether I’m in the group or in this role this week.
“It does cause a bit of stress and there’s more responsibilities that come with it but it’s definitely rewarding too.
“Just talking to Faz this morning he basically said to do it in your own way and that you don’t need to have these big speeches prepped.”
Doris has switched from number eight to openside flanker for the Azzurri’s visit to the Aviva Stadium, with Farrell making six personnel changes to the starting XV which began last week’s thumping 38-17 win away to France.
Munster pair Craig Casey and Jack Crowley will partner each other in the half-back positions, while 22-year-old lock Joe McCarthy continues following his eye-catching outing in Marseille.
“It’s a pretty exciting team, a few new combinations,” said Doris.
“Craig starting at nine, who’s been class for Munster over the last while and I’m delighted to see him get an opportunity.
“I think lads have been putting their hands up. Big Joe goes again in the second row, who’s been class; Crowler at 10, who is another leader and has been leading us well and has been doing the same at Munster.
“There’s enough experience there and enough old heads but there’s some excitement as well with some of the younger guys.
“The challenge this week is to back up last week’s performance with an even better one across all areas. It’s a pretty exciting prospect.”
Sire Du Berlais returns to action in the William Hill Boyne Hurdle at Navan on Sunday with connections expecting him to improve for the run.
Now 12, the Gordon Elliott-trained veteran has been a brilliant servant to connections, winning and finishing second in the Stayers’ Hurdles as well as winning the Pertemps Final twice.
Last spring he arguably peaked, following up his Stayers’ Hurdle success in the Aintree Hurdle and he came within three-quarters of a lengths of winning at Punchestown as well.
Reappearing over a trip of two miles and five furlongs, short of his best, he is unlikely to be seen to best effect but a return to Cheltenham should be on the cards if all goes well.
“Gordon’s been looking at this race for him for a while now and then head on to Cheltenham,” said Frank Berry, owner JP McManus’ racing manager.
“He’s had a few little hiccups earlier in the season, but he’s back now in good form and we’re hoping to get a nice run into him on Sunday.
“I wouldn’t have thought we’d see him at his best this week, the trip’s a bit short, he doesn’t love heavy ground and he always improves for a run. That’s why he’s always gone well in the spring.”
Elliott also runs Delta Work and Galvin, who are both building towards the cross-country at Cheltenham and Beacon Edge, winner of the race in 2021 for Noel Meade.
Also reappearing is the Charles Byrnes-trained Blazing Khal, winner of this race 12 months ago but not sighted since finishing sixth behind Sire Du Berlais at Cheltenham.
The other Grade Two on the card sees Elliott’s American Mike and Favori De Champdou take on Willie Mullins’ pair of Minella Cocooner and Nick Rockett in the William Hill Ten Up Novice Chase.
Brighterdaysahead will be hoping to book her Cheltenham ticket for Elliott in the Listed Apple’s Jade Mares Novice Hurdle.
Ireland continue their Guinness Six Nations title defence with Sunday afternoon’s match against Italy in Dublin.
Andy Farrell’s men launched their campaign with a record bonus-point win away to France, while the Azzurri were narrowly beaten by England.
Here, the PA news agency picks out some of the main talking points ahead of the Aviva Stadium clash.
Too early to talk about successive Grand Slams?
The reigning champions were handed the toughest opening fixture yet emerged from round one of the tournament as the only convincing victors. Ireland crushed pre-tournament favourites France in Marseille with a statement 38-17 success which propelled them into pole position for further championship glory. The fixture has been the title decider in each of the past two years and could prove to be again. Farrell’s team are expected to win this weekend and will also be favourites for subsequent Dublin showdowns with Wales and Scotland. A round-four trip to Twickenham appears to be Ireland’s biggest obstacle to becoming the first side to claim back-to-back Grand Slams since the Six Nations began in 2000.
Captain Caelan
Caelan Doris was touted as a potential successor to Johnny Sexton as Ireland captain. A calf injury for new skipper Peter O’Mahony means the 25-year-old has the chance to lead his country for the first time just two games into the post-Sexton era. Doris made his debut in the opening Test of Farrell’s reign in 2020 and has since developed into a genuine world-class talent. He switches from number eight to openside flanker this weekend, a position from which he scored two tries during the Azzurri’s last visit to Dublin in August. With veteran flanker O’Mahony set to turn 38 before the 2027 World Cup, Doris’ temporary appointment is a major audition for the future.
Big Joe’s big impact
Head coach Farrell raised some eyebrows by selecting rookie lock Joe McCarthy ahead of James Ryan and Iain Henderson at Stade Velodrome. But the hulking 22-year-old more than justified that decision with a dominant display which saw him voted championship player of round one. McCarthy’s Six Nations debut suggests he will star in Ireland’s second row for many years to come. He will be partnered by recalled provincial team-mate Ryan on Sunday. The 27-year-old Leinster co-captain, who comes in for Tadhg Beirne, will no doubt be desperate to give a reminder of his talents, having gone from possible new Ireland skipper to fighting for a regular starting spot.
Azzurri blues to continue?
Italy impressed in a narrow 27-24 loss against England in Rome last weekend. But they have never won on Irish soil during the Six Nations era. Their sole victory over Ireland in 24 championship matches was a 22-15 Stadio Olimpico success in 2013. Mercurial full-back Ange Capuozzo is back from illness to strengthen the visitors. Yet new head coach Gonzalo Quesada has lost influential back-row forwards Sebastian Negri and Lorenzo Cannone due to injury. Ireland are overwhelming favourites to register a 17th consecutive home win, dating back to 2021. It will be some story if Italy somehow defy the odds.
A glimpse into the future
In addition to Doris taking on the captaincy and the eye-catching emergence of McCarthy, Farrell has selected 24-year-old Munster half-backs Jack Crowley and Craig Casey to start together for just the second time. Fly-half Crowley appears to be the long-term replacement for the retired Sexton and overcame a few nervy kicks in France to produce an encouraging performance. Casey has usurped Conor Murray at provincial level and will now be eager to kick on and challenge first-choice scrum-half Jamison Gibson-Park on the international stage.
Ronnie O’Sullivan has announced his withdrawal from next week’s Welsh Open in Llandudno due to anxiety.
The world number one has had a productive season so far with victories at the UK Championship, the Masters and the World Grand Prix.
But his success has been increasingly underpinned by health concerns that have seen him withdraw from a series of lesser ranking events.
O’Sullivan wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Morning guys, I wanted to let you know that I’ve decided I’m not able to play in Llandudno next week.
“It’s hard to explain but for years I’ve suffered from stage fright at times, brought on by anxiety. It’s not something I can predict or control but I try to manage it as best as I can.
“I’m sorry to everyone who’s bought tickets but I just can’t get my cue out when I feel like this and I think this is what’s best for me right now.
“I still want to be around the tournament so I’ll be doing some work with Eurosport and I hope to see you all there.”
The Welsh Open is the seventh ranking tournament in which O’Sullivan has elected not to play this season, along with the Champion of Champions event in Bolton in November.
After withdrawing from the German Masters in January, O’Sullivan stressed the need to focus on his “health and wellbeing” despite his continued success on the table.
He has been investigated by his sport’s governing body over comments he made about unsanctioned exhibition matches, and also over an expletive-laden rant at rival Ali Carter following his Masters final win in January, in which he described Carter as “a f****** nightmare”.
D'Angelo Russell believes the Los Angeles Lakers are only going to get better after he scored 30 points to help seal a 139-122 home win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Lakers put up 87 first-half points in a spectacular start as they bounced back from their loss to the Denver Nuggets with a big win against the Pelicans on Friday.
Austin Reaves had 27 points and LeBron James added 21 with 14 assists for the Lakers, who tied a franchise record with 51 points in the second quarter.
Russell scored 21 in the first half and all five starters had at least 12 while the Lakers hit 11 3-pointers and 67.4 percent of their overall shots.
Back in the lineup after missing the Nuggets loss through injury, Russell thinks there is much more to come from Los Angeles (28-26).
"The chemistry is definitely growing," Russell said to the Los Angeles Times.
"The trade deadline just ended, so guys are a little bit more comfortable. So, I think it’s only going to get better from here.
"With all the guys we have, it’s going to allow guys to step up when their names are called. It was a good job."
While the Lakers did not make any moves at the trade deadline, they do hope to add free agent Spencer Dinwiddie, who was waived by the Toronto Raptors after being traded from the Brooklyn Nets.
Dinwiddie attended the game and sat with general manager Rob Pelinka before visiting the Lakers’ locker room.
He is believed to be deciding between the Lakers and former team the Dallas Mavericks, who the guard visited with on Thursday.
James and Anthony Davis are optimistic about the prospect of Dinwiddie signing.
"Playmaking, another ball handler, another shot-maker, another guy, another veteran," LeBron said after being asked what Dinwiddie would bring.
"Anytime you can add a veteran with that ability, it helps. So we will see what happens."
Davis added: "Obviously, we have seen what he did with Brooklyn and what he did with Dallas making big plays for them. He is a well-established player."
There were 20 points from Davis despite being limited by foul trouble. He can feel a sense of relief among the Lakers squad after the trade deadline passed.
"I'm just glad the day is over," he said ahead of the game. "It can kind of make it a little wacky around the trade deadline time, guys hearing their names in rumors, and if this is going to happen, not going to happen.
"It can kind of weigh on guys. So, I'm just glad it is over. We are who we are and we have who we have.
"It is on us to figure out how we can get more wins and move up in the standings."
Los Angeles is ninth in the Western Conference, winning four times in five games before it hosts Detroit on Tuesday.
Zion Williamson had 30 points for the Pelicans (30-22) and Brandon Ingram contributed 22 against his former team as a four-game winning streak was snapped. New Orleans is at Portland on Saturday.
Andy Farrell hopes Ireland can fire up a sold-out Dublin crowd and prevent a zombie-like atmosphere during their homecoming against Italy.
The reigning Guinness Six Nations champions are poised to play at the Aviva Stadium for the first time since an agonising World Cup quarter-final exit to New Zealand in October.
Tens of thousands of travelling fans celebrated each of Ireland’s pool-stage wins in France with rousing renditions of the team’s tournament anthem – Zombie by the Cranberries.
Head coach Farrell wants to continue the special connection with supporters on Sunday afternoon when his side take on opposition narrowly beaten by England on the opening weekend of the championship.
“Well I hope they’re not patient in just being quiet and waiting to get going,” he said of the fans.
“I hope we can excite them in our intent and the way that we can go and play the game.
“Everyone who watched Italy’s game last week knows that they’re going to be a threat and I think our fans will certainly get behind our side.
“The first time (at home) since the World Cup warm-up games and it is something that the players have talked about and are excited about.”
Ireland launched their title defence with a statement 38-17 success over pre-tournament favourites France in Marseille.
Italy, who were defeated 27-24 by Steve Borthwick’s side in Rome the following day, have lost each of their previous 12 Six Nations fixtures on Irish soil.
Farrell has made six personnel changes to his starting XV and selected Caelan Doris as captain for the first time but dismissed any notion of over-confidence.
“You know me, I’m not disrespectful to anyone,” said the Englishman.
“It’s not the way that I am but, honestly, it is about us.
“It’s about us improving on last week and the expectation that we’ve got within our own four walls, of an understanding of how we kick on in all parts of our game.
“It’s genuine, it’s there, it’s obvious to see for us the levels that we need to get to, not just on the field but off the field as well.
“The players are very honest and it’d be wrong for us to waste a week and not progress.”
Back-rower Doris leads his country from openside flanker having only captained Leinster for the first time in a 22-21 United Rugby Championship loss to Ulster on New Year’s Day.
The 25-year-old revealed he “annoyed” referee Frank Murphy that day by questioning decisions which turned out to be correct, an experience he and Farrell have discussed.
“We obviously speak about it,” said Farrell.
“Caelan is a humble type of guy and would always be his biggest critic, that’s what you would expect of someone who wants to learn and get better.
“I know that I made many a call and I probably wasn’t as humble as that on my first outing as a captain when I was playing.
“I’ve no doubt he would have learnt from that massively. He’s a thinker.”
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